Taxing Flying

After a year of hard work, the average working man or woman is entitled to a little vacation with the family. They may have scrimped and saved all year to be able to spend two weeks at their favorite getaway. Of course, their savings is heavily taxed all year. But when they finally go to buy airline tickets, what they probably don’t realize is how much they are paying in taxes again.

All airline tickets are subject to a Federal excise tax of 10 percent. If you are flying overseas, you are subject to a $6.00 International Departures Tax and a $6.50 Customs User Fee when you return. Many airports are also subject to a $3.00 Passenger Facilities Charge, which is another tax. Air travelers are also subject to a $6.00 Immigration User Fee, and a $1.45 Agricultural Inspection Fee. Consequently, over 10 percent of what you pay for flying is actually going to these taxes.